Health

Defusing a time-bomb

Article Abstract:

A nurse was admitted to an accident and emergency unit with chest pains and, after an electrocardiogram and other tests, was referred to a cardiac unit. The nurse had emergency surgery five days later and was told she had a potentially fatal condition called Marfan's syndrome. She has since returned to nursing part-time. Other patients have not survived because they were not diagnosed at an early age or treatment was not appropriate. Patients with Marfan syndrome must be treated as emergencies if they have chest pains because they are likely to be suffering from an aortic aneurysm dissection.

Palliative care for people with non-malignant diseases: It is not only people with cancer who may need palliative care

Article Abstract:

There is evidence that many patients dying from non-malignant diseases lack symptom control, psychosocial support and control over their final days. Health authorities and trusts are being asked to consider how palliative care can be incorporated into NHS practice for those with life-threatening illnesses. There are concerns that opening up palliative care will lead to additional referrals and demand will not be met.